The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has named Welela Tereffe, MD, MPH, as Chief Medical Executive. Recognized as a patient-centered and institutionally minded leader, Dr. Tereffe will assume this new position and join the institution’s executive leadership team on January 1, 2021.
Welela Tereffe, MD, MPH
Dr. Tereffe will engage physicians and advanced practice providers in the delivery of research-driven clinical care in a setting that includes the Texas Medical Center campus, community and academic settings in Texas, and MD Anderson Cancer Network. She will work closely with leadership to recruit outstanding faculty, promote research excellence, and enhance the wellness and development of providers.
From Officer to Executive
Dr. Tereffe currently serves as the institution’s Chief Medical Officer, a position she has held for 2 years. She has led the institution through times of transformative change, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and collaborated with care providers to foster innovation and drive cultural excellence.
“I am honored to serve our patients and MD Anderson as we collectively work to advance our mission to eradicate cancer through prevention, treatment, research, and education,” said Dr. Tereffe. “We have a tremendous opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in Texas and around the globe to make the greatest possible impact, and I look forward to enabling our talented faculty and staff in these efforts.”
Dr. Tereffe earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Brown University and her MD from New York University. Since joining MD Anderson in 2005, Dr. Tereffe has earned a Master of Public Health in 2009 and currently is working toward a Master of Health Care Management at the Harvard School of Public Health.
